HBA moves to popularise sport

HARARE - In Line with their ambitious drive to popularise basketball in the country, Harare Basketball Association (HBA) have announced an audacious bid, where they will work with government in setting up structures from the City’s wards going up.

Speaking after the league’s EGM meeting at the weekend ahead of the start of the new season, HBA president Sani Mbofana said they want to see the sport of basketball getting as much support as other leading sport codes in the country.

“In a bid to help develop and grow the game of basketball, HBA in association with the Sports ministry through Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) will seek to put up structures of the game right into the wards and districts of Harare province,” Mbofana said.

“A sub-committee to run with this will be put in place soon. This will see basketball become popular just like other sports like soccer, rugby and cricket among others.”

Mbofana further revealed that the league has also resolved to slash subscription fees for clubs ahead of the new season, which kicks off this coming weekend with the traditional tournament.

Men’s teams will now have to pay $200 from $390 while ladies teams will now have to fork out $150.

Mbofana, who is also the chairperson of the reigning national basketball champions, Harare City Hornets said plans are at an advanced stage for the sport’s new format.

“There is also going to be an implementation of a fairly new basketball phenomenon of a 3 on 3. This is a departure from the usual 5 on 5 with a different set of rules. Ways to implement this game with a view to run a tournament or come up with a league if funds permit is already underway,” added Mbofana.

On the issue of venues Mbofana said: “The league is pushing to move into the magnificent City Sports Centre and arrangements are at an advanced stage to this regard.

Richwood Park, Arcadia and Varsity will be assessed to see if they can host games together with Dzivaresekwa and Mufakose courts.

He added: “The clubs also resolved to proceed with 14 ladies teams that were in the league the previous season and come up with a B League should the number of new applications becomes sufficient to form a league.”

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